Worcestershire | Archive | 2005 | February

This is a placeholder template

Stories for 2 February 2005

Leisure

The Dresser, Malvern Festival Theatre

THE show must go on - that motto of theatreland - is never better demonstrated than in Ronald Harwood's The Dresser.   more...

The Bourne Supremacy (12)

THIS film serves as a good example of the golden rule of filmmaking - that sequels are never as good as the original.   more...

White Noise (15)

White Noise contains all the necessary elements demanded from the horror film - jumpy popcorn-throwing moments, tension and enough (at times, too much) of the unknown to get the imagination into gear.   more...

Rooster Rooster

Poor old Luke Potashnick - the Rooster guitarist just can't get a look in!   more...

The Chemical Brothers Push The Button

THE faultless superstar DJs are back with another block rockin' beat after three years in the dance wilderness.   more...

The Punisher (18)

When Frank Castle (Tom Jane) takes his final job as a top-shot undercover cop, he takes an oath to his wife and children that they will have a better life to come.   more...

Going Postal Error! Unknown switch argument. Terry Pratchett

Published by Doubleday £17.99   more...

Classic sports cars to go on show

ALL MANNER of classic sports cars will be on show at the International Motorsport Show at Coventry's Stoneleigh Park between February 25 and 27.   more...

Tow be or not tow be

TOP towing tips for caravanners are available at the National Boat, Caravan and Outdoor Show 2005 at Birmingham's NEC between February 19 and 27.   more...

Calling all sci-fi fans

A SPECIAL day is in store for sci-fi fans, thanks to A Galaxy of Stars.   more...

Cool crowd

WORLD class ice-skating in the intimacy of the theatre is brought to Birmingham Hippodrome next week.   more...

What's on guide

Wednesday February 2   more...

Arty meetings

MEMBERS of Lickey Hill Arts Society have a jam-packed year ahead of them with monthly meetings at the parish hall, on Rose Hill, from 7.30pm.   more...

Rock on, Tommy!

Birmingham Hippodrome plays host to the premiere of a new production of The Who's hit rock musical Tommy from February 16-26.   more...

Following the Pied Piper to open night

TALENTED thespians are invited to an open night for Bromsgrove drama group All and Sundry on Tuesday at the Peace Hall in Rowney Green.   more...

What's On Guide

Thursday, February 3   more...

Trio treat at society

REDDITCH Music Society's next concert is on Saturday when The Montpellier String Trio performs music by Mozart, Beethoven, Francaix and Schubert.   more...

Palace plays host to top ensemble

THE Palace Theatre hosts a return visit by The Locrian Ensemble on Saturday evening with their show - The Greatest Classical Concert in the History of the World by Candlelight.   more...

Sleeping Beauty skates in

BIRMINGHAM'S Hippodrome Theatre will be transformed with the building of an ice-rink when The Imperial Ice Stars arrive on Tuesday to perform the magical Sleeping Beauty on Ice.   more...

Bennett at his very best

Review: The Lady In The Van at the Festival Theatre, Malvern, until Saturday.   more...

More voices to be heard

A MIXED chamber choir is hunting for more beautiful voices to add to their performances.   more...

Concert

CHORAL music fans are in for a treat with Droitwich Concert Club's next concert this Saturday.   more...

Band does the double

TOP rockers The Reflections will give their fans a treat when they perform two Bromsgrove gigs in as many weeks.   more...

Foot-tapping fun for all

TWO bands are planning to give townsfolk a night to remember on Friday, February 18, when they take to the stage in aid of Primrose Hospice's `Primrose at the Princess' appeal.   more...

News

Church invites you to drop in

PEOPLE are invited to St Leonard's Church, Beoley, on Saturday and Sunday to see the beautiful churchyard and its carpet of snowdrops.   more...

Top tips on tresses

A CELEBRITY hairstylist visited Redditch to give students at NEW College a master class in tricks of the trade.   more...

Cake marks WI's party date

MEMBERS of Alcester Women's Institute had a double reason to celebrate last month.   more...

Choir's hearty effort with charity concert

ALCESTER Ladies Choir is holding a concert on Friday at the town's St Nicholas Church in aid of the British Heart Foundation.   more...

Flying the flag for hospice

ON April 23, the Primrose Hospice will be hosting a charity "Walk for England" to celebrate St George's Day.   more...

Acorns seeking helpers

VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help at Acorns new children's hospice in Worcester.   more...

Elections at historic hall

ALCESTER residents can have a say in the future of their historic town hall when the new management committee is elected later this month.   more...

More CSOs on the way

REDDITCH is to get four new Community Support Officers (CSO) by the end of March.   more...

Westons puts fizz into anniversary

THE Herefordshire-based cider-maker, Westons, has launched the start of its 125-year celebrations with the announcement of a new drink.   more...

Banding together in poverty campaign

BROCKHILL Prison inmates taking part in a "Make Poverty History" protest have had a symbolic campaign armband made from paper to stop prisoners using it as a ligature.   more...

There's platinum awards in Malvern Hills

ENTRIES are being sought for a competition to celebrate the best in Malvern businesses.   more...

Third mast agreed for site

A THIRD mobile phone mast is to be put up on grain silos at Oversley Green despite objections from residents and Alcester Town Council.   more...

Village nets cash for footie-mad George

THE fine fund-raising efforts of Studley villagers was marked at the weekend when the cash they gathered was handed over to the Diana, Princess of Wales Children's Hospital, Birmingham.   more...

Club's pre-tax figures

WORCESTERSHIRE County Cricket Club has announced a pre-tax surplus for the second year running.   more...

Opposition to scheme

PLANS for a housing development, nursing home and offices on Friday Furlong, in Bidford, have been given the go ahead despite objections from the parish council and local doctors.   more...

Tapping into new talent

YOUNG Redditch rockers Drunk Plumber will be hitting the airwaves tomorrow after being invited to play for Kerrang 105.2FM Radio.   more...

Town to decide

PUBLIC opinion will decide whether Alcester's Greig Centre receives town council funding for its redevelopment project.   more...

Career was tailor made

LAWRENCE Robinson never considered joining his father in the family firm, despite inheriting his skill with a needle.   more...

Chippy wins sacking case

A REDDITCH carpenter has been awarded more than £4,000 for unfair dismissal after alleging his employers misled him over a college course.   more...

* Lady vicar used to be a man * GP centre hailed 'best in country' * Hair we go...pain pulls in penn

  more...

Scouts denied lottery funding

ALCESTER'S Scout and Guide groups have been refused a £190,000 lottery grant towards their new headquarters because the members are not disadvantaged enough.   more...

Church's starring role

THERE was excitement last week for Feckenham villagers as the beauty of their surroundings and parish church graced the TV screen in a drama.   more...

Petra's number one

Meet Petra, first lamb of the year to join farmer Peter Barnes' flock in Temple Grafton. The youngster arrived on Sunday, a birthday treat for Mr Barnes, and was joined by a second lamb on Monday. Mothers and babies are said to be doing well.   more...

Hit the trail for real ale

THE pubs of Redditch, Bromsgrove and the surrounding area form part of a pub crawl with a difference this month as the local branch of the Campaign for Real Ale encourages people to get out and about.   more...

Historian fears for Roman relics

ALCESTER'S Roman heritage could be buried under slabs of concrete if plans for a housing development on land between Bleachfield Street and Birch Abbey go ahead.   more...

Centre's licence granted in trial

POLICE are confident antisocial behaviour in Church Hill will not increase if the opening hours at a community centre are extended.   more...

Revamp plan for scruffy tueries

ADVANTAGE Alcester is to spend £100,000 on public art work for three of the town's alleyways.   more...

Songs to raise notes!

ARROW Vale Singers will be holding an evening of musical entertainment to raise funds for a popular town charity.   more...

Warning over `winning' mail

A WARNING has been issued to people who receive letters offering them cash prizes.   more...

Students show business skills

STUDENTS from Redditch and Alcester will be competing against other schools and colleges to prove just how much business savvy they have.   more...

Church to hold marriage course

STUDLEY Baptist Church will hold a bring-and-buy sale at the Baptist Church Centre, New Road, in aid of the Asian tsunami relief appeal on Saturday, February 26.   more...

Race seeking worthy cause

ORGANISERS of a 10km race and fun run are looking for Redditch charities to come forward to be nominated for next year's event.   more...

Man cleared of flat arson

A factory worker has been cleared by a jury of setting ablaze a mentally ill man's flat in Redditch.   more...

Redditch's tribute to victims of Holocaust

REDDITCH stopped to remember the victims of the Holocaust and other human rights abuses on Saturday.   more...

Barriers are broken down

BARRIERS are being broken down between Wythall's police and the area's youngsters, say village police.   more...

Off to a sure start

THE Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport saw that Redditch children had a sure start when she popped into the Sandycroft Centre.   more...

Crash husband spared prison

A DRINK-driver's wife was badly injured when he crashed his car after leaving a pub, Worcester Crown Court heard.   more...

On the buses for launch

THE new multi-million pound fleet of Redditch buses was launched with a fanfare on Friday in Redditch town centre.   more...

Tougher law on violence in home

REDDITCH'S Police Domestic Violence Unit has welcomed changes in the law which will make it easier to prosecute offenders.   more...

Pupils pick up green habits

PROMOTING environmentally friendly initiatives is all part of the culture at Tardebigge First School.   more...

Letter - Just capital!

SO at last we are going to recognise the humble bicycle for what it truly is - a convenient and cheap means of transport, a leisure `tool', a way of keeping fit and the key to a whole new world of cycle sport.   more...

Bobbies may be back on bikes

REDDITCH bobbies might be back on their bikes if police secure funding for an initiative.   more...

Letter - Character galore

Alcester is an active town with a lively community feel and a lot of heart. It is an architectural gem with bags of character both physically and of the human variety!   more...

Clean-up under way

RESIDENTS were facing an horrendous clean-up operation when a sewer burst in Dolben Lane, Winyates, yesterday morning.   more...

Heart aplenty

My comments on shops (Chronicle, January 19) have been taken by some as an attack on the whole of Alcester and its people.   more...

Letter - Frieze slammed

I write to express my extreme disappointment with Alcester's new "Steel Frieze".   more...

Foster girl found alive

A BATCHLEY couple's Sri Lankan foster daughter, feared dead after the Asian tsunami tragedy, has been found alive - though her home has been destroyed and she is in a desperate situation.   more...

All-day opening violence fears

REDDITCH ambulance crews have spoken out against 24-hour pub licensing as they fear violence against them will escalate.   more...

Letter from Westminster

THE election in Iraq at the weekend was a triumph of democracy over terror.   more...

DOWN THE DRAIN!

THE fear of constant flooding could mean two Brockhill residents will never be able to sell their new homes, even though they were bought just two years ago.   more...

How you can join Chris Tarrant and thousands of other people

THE Wishband message is stretching far and wide as enquiries and reservations come in from all over the country.   more...

...and we've got ours on too!

Politicians have also been spotted wearing the Evening News Wishbands.   more...

Burglary at school that gave so much

THE community has rallied round a Worcester school that was burgled last week to help pupils raise hundreds of pounds for victims of the tsunami.   more...

coffee morning

VILLAGERS in Rushwick, near Worcester, are hoping to attract support from outside the village for a coffee morning in aid of the Tsunami Relief Fund.   more...

I'm wearing the Evening News tsunami Wishband...

WHO Wants to be a Millionaire host Chris Tarrant has pledged his support to the Evening News Wishband Appeal.   more...

wishband appeal: Just £1.50 will show you care

Hallow Primary is the latest school to raise money for the tsunami appeal.   more...

Raising cash for victims

ASPIRING Kylies or Robbies have been strutting their stuff at a Worcester school to raise money for the Asian Tsunami appeal.   more...

School is in the best of health

AN early morning aerobics session helps Droitwich Spa tots start the day bursting with energy.   more...

Tackling anti social behaviour

A DROITWICH Spa housing group has employed a specialist officer to deal with complaints of anti social behaviour.   more...

Eve's European visit

A JET set Spa pensioner is heading off to Germany this month to meet with her European peers.   more...

Club strikes it lucky

THE organiser of a new matchstick modelling club may just have struck it lucky with a generous offer of materials.   more...

Parking woes could be eased

NEW parking restrictions could be imposed on a network of Droitwich Spa roads to ease a long-running problem of congestion.   more...

Centre adds new services

A DROITWICH Spa childcare and adult drop-in centre is launching a number of new services to increase its contact with the community.   more...

Job losses fear over new laws

HUNDREDS of local businesses are breaking the law and face potentially damaging fines because of new disability legislation.   more...

Sweet sculpture is on show in the Spa

BRITAIN'S largest sugarcraft sculpture will end its extensive tour of the country in Droitwich Spa.   more...

Tax hike to clean streets

COUNCIL taxpayers in Bromsgrove are facing a budget increase of £500,000 at the town depot - just to ensure clean streets.   more...

Firm pays out to ex-employee

A DROITWICH construction firm has been told to pay a trainee carpenter more than £4,000 for unfairly dismissing him after being accused of misleading him over his college course.   more...

Store could buy ticket machines

BOSSES at Bromsgrove's ASDA store are prepared to buy two extra car park ticket machines in a bid to ease customer's frustrations at having to wait in long queues before shopping in the Market Street shop.   more...

Have a pan-tastic Shrove Tuesday!

A SQUEEZE of lemon and a sprinkle of sugar was the perfect topping to pancakes made by tots at a Spa school.   more...

Car park scheme is turned down

BROMSGROVE'S multi-storey car park will not be used as a car lot at slack times, it has been decided.   more...

Charity feels the pinch

CHARITIES in Bromsgrove are feeling the pinch after donations were hit by the popularity of the tsunami disaster appeal fund.   more...

Top level lido talks take place

TALKS to discuss the future of Droitwich Spa's historic lido took place last night (Tuesday).   more...

Winter looks set to make a return

WINTER is set to make a spectacular return to Bromsgrove at the end of the week as health and highways chiefs prepare for the worst weather for more than a decade.   more...

Domestic violence - help is at hand

victims of domestic violence often suffer silently, too afraid to take action.   more...

Market demands apology

THE former operator of Droitwich Spa's defunct market has hit out at claims they were responsible for its demise.   more...

Move to improve pedestrian access

NEW plans have been drawn up to improve pedestrian access to the High Street from the ASDA development.   more...

Anger over new plan for Oakalls

OAKALLS residents are up in arms after controversial plans for a housing development were re-submitted.   more...

Street theatre, have your say

STREET theatre in Bromsgrove celebrates its tenth anniversary this year and townsfolk are being asked to help shape the fun at future events.   more...

Unique photographic record to go on display

A PROJECT to take local history to the pubs, clubs and village halls of Bromsgrove has won a £20,000 local heritage initiative grant.   more...

Ponies kept in diabolical conditions

A BROMSGROVE man accused of keeping three ponies in "disgusting" and "diabolical" conditions has pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering.   more...

Dressing up in style

STAFF and children at a Rubery nursery raised nearly £230 at a fancy dress day held in aid of the tsunami appeal.   more...

Car-lover Sid is in Seven heaven

AN Austin 7 enthusiast has embarked on a new restoration project.   more...

History in a bottle

WHEN Margaret Lammas re-discovered a mystery bottle she had kept for over 35 years, she became determined to find out its history.   more...

Half a century of law

A WELL-known solicitor, who has been practising for 50 years, has been honoured for his long service and involvement in the community.   more...

What's cooking?

BUDDING Jamie Olivers enjoyed a cooking masterclass.   more...

School is top of the class

STAFF and pupils are celebrating after their school was highlighted as one of the best in the country.   more...

Rooster booster

THE magic of the Orient came to life when a group of Bromsgrove School students held a celebration for the Chinese New Year.   more...

American friends

A GROUP of Americans stretched a helping hand across the pond when they visited Bromsgrove to help out at NewSong Community Church.   more...

They're switched on

A special needs school in Bromsgrove is celebrating being the first in the county to get a coveted award for its use of computer facilities.   more...

Remembering the victims of the Holocaust

SCORES of townsfolk braved the rain and cold to pay their respects to the victims of the Holocaust.   more...

Church appeal is wound up

THERE was a day of celebration and thanksgiving last Sunday at St John's parish church.   more...

Tasty treats ahead

YOUNGSTERS at an after-school club rolled up their sleeves and got ready for Shrove Tuesday by making pancakes last night.   more...

Chaddesley Corbett Gardeners' Club

WE started off the New Year with a resurrected lease of life. How to propagate all types of hard wood cuttings and berries were demonstrate to us by Bob Hares, an RHS advisor. We were eager to go home and start right now as this is the time to do hard wood cuttings from bushes, roses and perennial plants. Bob's quiet enthusiasm can't help but rub off on other gardeners.   more...

Newsflush: Chain reaction to Tory toilets revelation

WELL done, Councillor Mary Drinkwater for letting the "cat out of the bag" or should I say "public conveniences for the chop".   more...

Inner Wheel Club of Droitwich Spa

President Patricia Phillips lit the candle of friendship and welcomed members to the Raven Hotel for their January meeting.   more...

They are no substitute for police

YOUR item (Evening News, Monday, January 24) referring to Community Support Officers and their task of walking the beat to deal with "quality of life" issues and provide reassurance to the public needs to be challenged.   more...

Nancy Butterfly Women's Morris Dancing

THE Nancy Butterfly women's Morris dancing side are inviting any interested dancers or musicians to join them on Mondays at 8.15pm at the Methodist Church Hall, Evesham Road, Headless Cross, or to call 01527 576251 for more details.   more...

Schools are coasting

THE week before last saw the announcement of how all High Schools and colleges had done nationally against each other in terms of attainment and achievement.   more...

Rubery WI

ThE January meeting was an open one and quite a few visitors came. Names were taken for the group meeting, which Rubery is hosting in March and other business concluded.   more...

I'll reply to all of them

n MAY I reply to various correspondents.   more...

Wychbold Women's Fellowship

WE met for our last meeting of 2004 in the warmth of the Poplars and our excellently supported bring and buy table raised £60 for Upton Warren Church Appeal funds.   more...

Chemicals

WITH reference to the European Union's proposals to use animals for the testing of chemicals for safety, George Cowley says that as the chemicals have mostly been around for years, and have a track record for safety (Letters, Friday, January 21) then the 12.8 million animals needed to test them will suffer no lasting harm.   more...

Bromsgrove Railway Club

OUR next meeting will be held next Wednesday.   more...

Nick's got it covered!

A WYTHALL carpet-fitter is enjoying success after winning a prestigious award in carpet laying.   more...

Store's future unclear

THERE was uncertainty last week after the department chain store Allders was placed in administration.   more...

It belongs to us all

AS I was on holiday at the time of the original article, I am grateful for the opportunity to respond to the story headlined - You can't use my church - Vicar.   more...

Results not good enough

THE recent announcement of how all high schools and colleges had done nationally against each other in terms of attainment and achievement throws up some interesting observations if you look at the details.   more...

Great effort

ON behalf of the Royal British Legion- Aston Fields Branch, I would like to thank Morrison's Supermarket for their hospitality and kindness in allowing us to collect during the Poppy Appea and with special thanks to Lyn Hancox and Shelley.   more...

Sad tale

REGARDING the dreadful case of the former Bromsgrove couple who killed that lovely little boy they supposedly adopted and now the true mother wishes she could turn the clock back.   more...

Cat food

THE Christmas Food Collection which was made on behalf of the Worcester and District Cats Protection has now come to a close and we would like to say a very big thank you to the public for their amazing generosity,   more...

Service was efficient

READING the article regarding Mr Brian Phillips' problem when he contacted the out of hours Primary Care Service, I appreciate the problems he said he had experienced.   more...

On your feet!

WE are writing to ask all infant and primary schools in the Bromsgrove and Droitwich area to join us and take part in `Little Feet, Big Feat' - a brand new schools initiative to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care.   more...

Volunteers

I WOULD like to thank all the magnificent volunteers whose hard work has helped to kick start the Year of the Volunteer 2005.   more...

Society calls on developers to treat Rubery plans with care

OVER the years the Lickey Hills Society has sought to protect, conserve and improve the Lickey Hills area and the surrounding villages.   more...

* GREAT PRIZES TO BE WON * WIN! MALVERN THEATRES TICKETS * WIN! A DAY AT THE RACES AND RIDING LESSON

  more...

100 years ago February 4, 1905

GUARDIANS at Bromsgrove workhouse had been forced to re-advertise in the Messenger for a cook after having no applicants for the job when an advert had previously appeared. However, they were more hopeful after increasing the salary by £4 to £24 per year. But this did not include the successful candidate's washing, lodging, uniform or any entitlement to free beer.   more...

50 years ago February 5, 1955

A LANDMARK that had stood in Bromsgrove for 97 years looked set to be bulldozed. It was the old, unmodernised cemetery lodge that had been built along with the lych gate near Crabtree Lane by an Evesham firm for £989. At the time, the design of the cemetery, which cost £378 to plan and construct, came in for heavy criticism from an influential body of civil engineers who said it was too formal.   more...

25 years ago February 1, 1980

THE first major spending cut backs of the new decade were made when Bromsgrove District Council was forced to virtually half its £719,500 `shopping' budget. Among the casualties were changing rooms for football pitches at Charford, improved facilities at Sanders Park and a £2,000 grant towards Sport for All activities.   more...

Witness support call

THE Redditch Magistrates Court witness service desperately needs more volunteers if it is to continue its good work with witnesses, victims and families.   more...

MP welcomes ID cards

REDDITCH MP Jacqui Smith welcomed fellow minister John Spellar to town recently as they promoted the controversial idea of national ID cards which the Government is determined to introduce.   more...

Charity call for youth support

A WORCESTERSHIRE charity which supports youngsters who have offended or are at risk of offending needs volunteers to get involved in four groundbreaking schemes in Redditch.   more...

It belongs to us all

AS I was on holiday at the time of the original article, I am grateful for the opportunity to respond to the story headlined - You can't use my church - Vicar.   more...

Results not good enough

THE recent announcement of how all high schools and colleges had done nationally against each other in terms of attainment and achievement throws up some interesting observations if you look at the details.   more...

Great effort

ON behalf of the Royal British Legion- Aston Fields Branch, I would like to thank Morrison's Supermarket for their hospitality and kindness in allowing us to collect during the Poppy Appea and with special thanks to Lyn Hancox and Shelley.   more...

Sad tale

REGARDING the dreadful case of the former Bromsgrove couple who killed that lovely little boy they supposedly adopted and now the true mother wishes she could turn the clock back.   more...

Cat food

THE Christmas Food Collection which was made on behalf of the Worcester and District Cats Protection has now come to a close and we would like to say a very big thank you to the public for their amazing generosity,   more...

Service was efficient

READING the article regarding Mr Brian Phillips' problem when he contacted the out of hours Primary Care Service, I appreciate the problems he said he had experienced.   more...

On your feet!

WE are writing to ask all infant and primary schools in the Bromsgrove and Droitwich area to join us and take part in `Little Feet, Big Feat' - a brand new schools initiative to raise funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care.   more...

Volunteers

I WOULD like to thank all the magnificent volunteers whose hard work has helped to kick start the Year of the Volunteer 2005.   more...

Society calls on developers to treat Rubery plans with care

OVER the years the Lickey Hills Society has sought to protect, conserve and improve the Lickey Hills area and the surrounding villages.   more...

Thinking of playing up like Bart? Think again

PARENTS and teachers in Worcestershire have welcomed new guidelines to take a tough line on disruptive pupils.   more...

Ultimate frisbee fliers hang fire over venue

ORGANISERS behind a major frisbee tournament in Malvern are confident it will take place in the town again this year - provided they can secure a venue.   more...

Top chef sniffs out nouvelle cuisine in county

FINE dining will be on the menu in Malvern if a chef whose restaurant was rated among the top 20 in the world fulfils his dream of moving to the town.   more...

Cathedral will host exhibition of The Journey paintings

PAINTINGS by an internationally acclaimed religious artist, Peter Clare, will be on show in Worcester Cathedral in the run up to Easter.   more...

Battle to save the Droitwich Lido lost

CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save Droitwich's historic Lido last night lost their battle to reopen the derelict pool.   more...

Foot feared lost as train hits man

A MAN is thought to have lost his foot when he was hit by a train at a railway crossing in Malvern.   more...

Hair we go...pain pulls in pennies

A GROUP of brave teachers at a Worcester school had a hair-raising experience this week - as they took part in a sponsored leg-wax for the tsunami disaster appeal.   more...

GP centre hailed `best in country'

A STATE-of-the-art GP centre in Worcester has been branded "best in the country" by the Government's Health Minister.   more...

Hospitals on target to slash waiting lists to six months

PATIENTS will have to wait no longer than six months for operations at Worcestershire's hospitals from March, it has been revealed.   more...

MP demands action over train services

SIR Michael Spicer is turning up the heat on the Strategic Rail Authority to improve Worcestershire's train services.   more...

LADY VICAR USED TO BE A MAN

A WOMAN priest has revealed she was ordained nearly 20 years after she underwent a sex-change operation.   more...

New logo is a no-go

THE idea of replacing Redditch Council's dated logo looks set to be rejected tonight because the "disadvantages would outweigh the benefits".   more...

Have a say on recycling

RESIDENTS will be given the chance to decide if new recycling ideas are "rubbish" or not.   more...

Car broken into

LARGE music speakers, a CD player and digital camera were stolen from a Peugeot 206 parked in Barkers Lane, Wythall, in the early hours of Monday.   more...

Parking on the agenda

A NEW "decriminalised parking" scheme could be introduced in Redditch, handing powers of enforcement from the police to Redditch Council and Worcestershire County Council.   more...

Students show business skills Students show business skills

STUDENTS from Redditch and Alcester will be competing against other schools and colleges to prove just how much business savvy they have.   more...

Working to allay Millfields fears

WORCESTERSHIRE County Council is working to alleviate fears over the closure of Millfields centre, which caters for people with learning and physical disabilities.   more...

Support through sharing

A NEW self-help group at the Primrose Hospice and Cancer Help Centre aims to offer support for people who have experienced bereavement through cancer.   more...

Have say on health

THE body which runs GP services in Redditch and Bromsgrove is sending out questionnaires about healthcare.   more...

Praise when it is due

HEALTH stories are never far from the headlines. From cleanliness to staff safety, it seems as though the NHS is never out of the news.   more...

Car is target in race attack

A CAR was badly damaged in what police believe was a racially motivated attack.   more...

Attack caught on film

CCTV operators in Redditch town centre spotted what may be a racially motivated attack on a man who lost a number of teeth.   more...

Anvil theft probe

THIEVES made off with a large blacksmith's anvil from a garden in Lower Bentley last week.   more...

Car is stolen on test drive

A CAR advertised for sale was stolen from a Hollywood home during a test drive.   more...

Trio hunted after blaze

POLICE think three men who helped the fire brigade evacuate a block of flats after a blaze broke out may well have been involved in starting it.   more...

Hammer threat to PO driver

A POST office driver was threatened with a hammer after two cars boxed in his van in Hopwood in an early morning robbery.   more...

Wrong home theory over terror attack

A WOMAN suffered a terrifying ordeal when two men burst into her Southcrest home and threatened her - though they may have targeted the wrong house.   more...

Charity boost

A CHARITY set up by a former Alcester man has handed over another £1,000 to the cancer ward at Coventry's Walsgrave Hospital.   more...

Church concert

ALCESTER Ladies Choir will perform in St Nicholas Church on Friday night to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.   more...

Pancake plans

THE annual pancake races are set to take place in Alcester next week.   more...

Village shop raided

A STORE manager in Wootton Wawen was threatened by intruders who broke into his shop early Friday morning.   more...

Car abandoned

A CAR stolen from outside a house in Wootton Wawen smashed into a kerb in Hockley Heath half an hour later and was abandoned by the thieves.   more...

Barred

BURGLARS have stolen a lorry containing about £32,000 worth of brass bars from a Bidford industrial plant.   more...

Salmon chanted evening!

THE salmon-fishing season began in earnest yesterday - and fishermen were making an early start.   more...

Marsh land back to 1870s glory

WETLAND conditions are being returned to the Longdon and Eldersfield Marshes, near Upton-upon-Severn, for the first time since the area was drained in the 1870s.   more...

Authority's apology for markets pull-out `slur'

THE former operator of Droitwich Spa's defunct market has hit out at claims the firm was responsible for its demise.   more...

Watch out for the car park raider

MOTORISTS parking at Worcestershire beauty spots have been warned by police to be extra careful not to leave valuables in their vehicles.   more...

Epilepsy advice in Worcester

EPILEPSY specialist nurses can get their hands on new information on the illness - thanks to the Worcester branch of a charity that supports people with the condition.   more...

Historic Powick lodge rebuild on the cards

THE demolition and rebuilding of Ham Hill Lodge, a Grade II listed house at Powick, could soon go ahead, after being delayed by planners last year.   more...

Dreams come true for disabled

A BRAND new extension to Worcester Snoezelen will be officially opened today, providing more leisure opportunities for people with disabilities.   more...

Nick preparing to fly back to Iraq

A TERRITORIAL Army volunteer from Worcester is preparing to go back to Iraq to complete the remainder of his tour of duty.   more...

Life is a cabaret for the WODYS juniors

LIFE is a cabaret for youngsters of Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society's Youth Section, who are having a ball entertaining the elderly and sick throughout the area.   more...

Date is set for Hilder inquest

AN inquest into the death of Herefordshire skydiver Stephen Hilder will be held in March, a coroner has announced.   more...

Pupils can learn lifesaving skills

HIGH schools in Redditch are being urged to sign up to a new scheme offering every pupil the chance to learn emergency life support (ELS) skills.   more...

Sport

Droitwich rocked by moment of madness

Silhillians 46 Droitwich 12   more...

Blaze have Piston power

YOUNG guns from Bromsgrove Blaze helped the senior team defeat Pro-guard Pistons 94-81.   more...

Swimmers learn off record ace

TOP British swimmer Alex Scotcher gave advice to members of Droitwich Dolphins at a special development camp.   more...

Bounce back

A THRILLING comeback ensured Bromsgrove took a huge step towards defending their Wessex League title.   more...

League wins county title

BROMSGROVE and Redditch League officials were celebrating after a representative team clinched its first County League Championship since 1968.   more...

Rowe moves into unassailable position

TOP Bromsgrove cyclist Joe Rowe sealed his place at the top of the West Midlands Cylco-Cross League with an impressive performance in Redditch on Sunday.   more...

Battling ladies go down in derby

Redditch Ladies 1st XI 2 Droitwich Spa Ladies 1st XI 1   more...

Badgers bare teeth in defeat

Bromsgrove Badgers 3 Kings Heath Pickwick Badgers 4   more...

Leaders held by rivals

Droitwich 1st XI 2 Whitchurch 1st XI 2   more...

Bromsgrove Rovers fixtures and results 2004/2005

HOME, away   more...

2/2/05 - Shoaib slating

PAKISTAN legends Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis have questioned Worcestershire's decision to sign their controversial compatriot Shoaib Akhtar as an overseas player this summer.   more...

Boars let lead slip

Bromsgrove 25 Derby 25   more...

Baxter's returning

PERTEMPS Bees winger Nick Baxter returned to his first club Kings Norton this week to pass on a few coaching tips.   more...

Squires beats leaders

Coton Green 1 Droitwich Spa Reserves 2   more...

Alcester Har-buried!

Alcester 15   more...

Extra time stunner

Bromsgrove Rovers Reserves 2 Rushall Olympic Reserves 3   more...

Eagles lets fly

Birmingham CS 3   more...

Fairfield licked by slick Cadbury

Fairfield Villa 0   more...

Maguire seals place in final

Droitwich Spa 2 Littleton 0   more...

Rovers sunk by brilliant Ball's brace

Evesham United 2 Bromsgrove Rovers 0   more...

No need to panic

BROMSGROVE Rovers' assistant manager Bernard Mackey believes it is too early for the club to start panicking over the team's poor run of results.   more...

Injury-hit `Fishers have Hands full

Handsworth 15   more...

Droitwich rocked by moment of madness

Silhillians 46 Droitwich 12   more...

Boars let lead slip

Bromsgrove 25 Derby 25   more...

Boars held by Lichfield

Bromsgrove U7s 30 Lichfield U7s 30   more...

Churchill ready for mid-table battle

EXPERIENCED Bromsgrove campaigner Tom Churchill is expected to be fit for Saturday's mid-table clash at Luctonians.   more...

Churchill ready for mid-table battle

EXPERIENCED Bromsgrove RFC campaigner Tom Churchill is expected to be fit for Saturday's mid-table clash at Luctonians.   more...

REDS BOSS STAYS

ROD Brown has ended any speculation he is about to quit Redditch United for Worcester City.   more...

Derby draw

JUNIOR FOOTBALL: Studley Juniors under 12A were held to a 1-1 draw with Redditch United under 12s. Nathan Hurley was the Studley scorer while Jack Lewis took the man of the match.   more...

Here's Olivia

Marston Green 0   more...

Villa no show

STUDLEY Women were forced to abandon their game with Fairfield Villa as the visitors had insufficient players.   more...

Riders limbering up

CYCLESPORT Midlands are holding a reliability ride on Sunday with a time limit of two hours 45 minutes.   more...

Evesham sides are targeting county joy

FOUR Birdseye Sports Evesham Sunday Football League clubs progressed to the semi-finals of the Worcestershire FA County Cups.   more...

Cookley bid to shed `old' image

COOKLEY Cricket Club are hoping to shake off their tag as having one of the oldest playing squads in the area by targeting youngsters for some specialised coaching sessions.   more...

Talented youngsters gain national final tickets

TWO Worcestershire riders made the line-up in a national show jumping qualifier staged at Warwickshire College and attracting entrants from several counties.   more...

Row rewards handed over to stalwarts

TWO rowing enthusiasts have been honoured for their dedication to the sport.   more...

Robbins looking to build on his success

MOTORCYCLIST Martin Robbins is gearing up for what he hopes will be another successful season in his sport.   more...

Boddy poised to name new City manager

WORCESTER City chairman Dave Boddy has picked out his man to succeed John Barton -- but is holding firm not to name the club's new manager until tomorrow afternoon.   more...

Shoaib slating

PAKISTAN legends Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis have questioned Worcestershire's decision to sign their controversial compatriot Shoaib Akhtar as an overseas player this summer.   more...

Whitto's a super sub

AFTER a couple of spells in goal Studley coach Trevor Whittington turned his hand to goal scoring on Saturday and netted a vital last-gasp equaliser against Biddulph Victoria.   more...

Church chase is fruitful

Chasetown 1   more...

Knight rider!

CYCLING: Steve Knight took the plaudits for winning the last round of Midland Cyclo Cross at Pitcheroak Wood on Sunday.   more...

2/2/05 - Boddy poised to name new City manager

WORCESTER City chairman Dave Boddy has picked out his man to succeed John Barton -- but is holding firm not to name the club's new manager until tomorrow afternoon.   more...

Success in `Wich hunt

WOMEN'S HOCKEY: Redditch Ladies are going through a purple patch after yet another victory this time beating second placed Droitwich 2-1.   more...

Ricketts harms Reds progress

Redditch United 1   more...

Sue is just top

STUDLEY Blue and White Skippers' Sue Dale was awarded with the coach/sports teacher of the year at the Stratford District Sports Awards evening in Sunday.   more...

Jolly hockey sticks for school

ST Bede's Middle School's girls under 13 hockey players had to defeat both tough opposition and the appalling weather to become district champions at the end of January.   more...

Fantastic fencing

THREE Redditch fencers made their way to Fenton in Stoke-on-Trent for the Great Britain Youth Championship finals at the weekend.   more...

Jamie ready for England

ST AUGUSTINE'S High School pupil Jamie Holloway started training with England Academy this week at Worcester RFC.   more...

`Smacked in the face'

THE chairman of Workington Town's supporters club has hit back at negative comments made about their ground facilities after the Reds clashed with Carlisle in the FA Trophy two weeks ago claiming "it wasn't their fault".   more...

WASPs make a splash

REDDITCH Swimming Club members joined a 40-strong team that splashed down at a sports development camp in Worcester recently.   more...

REDS BOSS STAYS

ROD Brown has ended any speculation he is about to quit Redditch United for Worcester City.   more...

No need to panic

01/02/05   more...

Rovers sunk by brilliant Ball's brace

29/01/05   more...

County success

CHILDREN from Bromsgrove Tennis Club served up a treat at the Hildon County Cup in Corby.   more...

No need to panic

BROMSGROVE Rovers' assistant manager Bernard Mackey believes it is too early for the club to start panicking over the team's poor run of results.   more...

  
Restrict search to 2 February 2005

© Newsquest Media Group 2008